Cirrus@Austlit

Epigraph: 'The river is too deep, child,and the Bunyip lives in the water under the stones.' From Geoffrey Hamlyn by Henry Kingsley.

Author's note: 'I remember when first Bunyips were real. It was just after I discovered that nothing was real and, if nothing was real, dreams were as true as anything else. As a child I dreamed a lot and I remember the first time with Bunyips...It was during a camping trip to Carnarvon Gorge....Since then Bunyips, the manifestations of fear in us all, have been with me. Now I know them they are not so bad, though they're new ones all the time. Some of them are old companions, almost friendly really...' From the verso of the half-title page.

Dedication: This book is for My darling Annie Shaw Who lives with them. M'dearest Thyri Who has to, too, And Hannah, the Mouse.